Statement: Live sheep export
13 April 2018
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) believes the inhumane and cruel treatment of animals is totally unacceptable.
The wellbeing and health of animals is paramount for Australian producers and our industry, like our community, rightly has high expectations that all those in it look after the welfare of livestock.
MLA is a service company for Australian red meat and livestock producers and, on their behalf and at the request of industry, we invest in ongoing research, development and adoption programs that promote high standards of animal welfare and continuous improvement.
MLA also advocates for best practice animal welfare standards in Australia and compliance with international standards in export markets. However, MLA has no legal or regulatory powers in export markets and MLA is not responsible for the regulation of conditions on livestock shipping journeys nor in saleyards in export destinations.
The Australian livestock export industry is regulated by the Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR). The Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC) represents and speaks for the livestock export industry. Both agencies have made a number of statements on their response to this issue which are available on their respective websites.
MLA supports the review that the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources has announced and will work with the department by providing analysis of existing and new research.
